It finally happened… after 14 long, cousin-less years, Katamari is back. Bandai Namco rolled out the red carpet (and maybe a giant ball of junk) for the grand reveal of Once Upon a KATAMARI (OUAK) during the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase in July 2025. The full trailer, now live on Bandai Namco’s official YouTube channels, immediately sent the fandom into joyful chaos.
And true to form, the premise is totally absurd in the best way possible. The King of All Cosmos finds a mysterious scroll, casually tosses it aside, and in doing so accidentally destroys Earth again. Classic King.
Themed Worlds: From Edo to Outer Space
The trailer tease new gameplay and gave us a glimpse of where our sticky adventure will take us. Expect to roll through imaginative environments like Edo-period Japan, a Wild West-inspired America, a pirate ship brimming with swashbuckling charm, and even a dino-dominated prehistoric stage. Look closely and you’ll spot hints of UFOs and a majestic Pegasus, possibly teasing space exploration and ancient mythology stages.
It looks like we’re getting a veritable fairy tale of global (and interstellar) proportions.
New Toys in the Katamari Toolbox
The core mechanic of rolling up everything in sight is still there. But Once Upon a KATAMARI, or OUAK (what fans are calling it now), introduces new tools to mix up the gameplay! What we know so far from the announcement trailer:
- Magnet: Pulls in nearby objects
- Rocket: Boosts rolling speed
- Timer: Freezes objects and time
Strategic use of these items could add a whole new layer to how we plan our rolls.
Cousins, Customization, and Cosplay Fuel
Fans of the series’ lovable, offbeat cast will be thrilled to know that over 69 cousins will be available, each dripping with personality. Noteworthy newcomers include a duo in a two-person horse costume and a cousin shaped like a calligraphy brush. I just can’t wait to see how cosplayers are going to kill these new looks.
Customization is looking amazing as well. You’ll be able to deck out both the Prince and his cousins with over 20 facial types, a wild range of color palette, and countless silly body options. If you can imagine it, you can probably Katamari it.
Soundtrack: Kenji Ninuma, Chelmico, and Beyond
Music has always been the heart of Katamari, and Once Upon a KATAMARI is going all in. The game will feature a massive new soundtrack as well as iconic tracks from previous entries. Highlights include songs from well-known artists like Kenji Ninuma and Chelmico. And I can assure you, your rolling rampage stays stylishly funky!
Recently, Bandai Namco uploaded Once Upon A KATAMARI opening movie, featuring Chelmico with the song titled Katamari Time!
Multiplayer and Save Bonus
Whether you’re a solo roller or want to flex your Katamari skills with friends, this entry has you covered. The game features a KatamariBall mode:
- Online multiplayer: Up to four players.
- Offline mode: Face off against CPUs.
And if you’ve got save data from Katamari Damacy REROLL or We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie, you’ll unlock Young King as a cousin.
Release, Platforms, and Pre-Order Info
Once Upon a KATAMARI rolls out October 24, 2025, on Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. So far, there is no hint of coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
You can pre-order now on the Nintendo eShop and Steam.
- Standard pre-order bonus: 3 face customization parts.
- Digital version bonus: 2 DLC packs – 60 retro music tracks and 26 returning costumes from across the franchise.
- Bonus (Japan only): Prince plushy + Katamari-themed blanket
💡 NOTE
Physical boxes are only available in certain regions.
14 Years in the Making
This is the first new mainline Katamari game since 2011’s Touch My Katamari on the PS Vita. Sharp-eyed fans might remember Gematsu spotting a trademark for Once Upon a KATAMARI back in February 2025, and the subreddit was buzzing with hopeful predictions just before the Direct. Turns out, the Katamari hive mind was right.
💡 FUN TRIVIA
The original creator of Katamari Damacy is the same mind behind the quirky 3D adventure To a T, recently released this year.
Final Thoughts
Once Upon a KATAMARI is shaping up to be the exact kind of joyful, chaotic nostalgia trip fans have been dreaming about with enough new twists, tunes, and cousins to make it feel fresh.
Whether you’re a veteran roller or totally new to the kingdom, this October’s gonna be cosmic.
Respect each other, speak your mind, and focus on ideas, not individuals.